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The population of a country is an important aspect of its demographics, and the population figures for the USA and Australia showcase interesting trends. The population of the USA has seen significant growth, especially in the 20th century, while Australia's population growth has been more gradual, with a high degree of urbanisation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population of USA | 337,014,000 |
| Population of Australia | 25.5 million as of 2020, projected to grow to 42.68 million by 2099 |
| Population Density (Australia) | 3 persons/km2 |
| Population Density (USA) | 35.71 persons/km2 |
| Most Populous City in Australia | Sydney, with approximately 1,900 people/km2 |
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What You'll Learn
Population growth in the USA and Australia
The population of the USA is approximately 331 million people, while the population of Australia is about 25.5 million as of 2020. This figure is projected to increase to 42.68 million by 2099. The population growth rate in Australia is estimated at a little over 1.5% annually, driven by factors such as migration. In contrast, the USA's population growth rate is not stated, but its population density is 35.71 persons per square kilometre, much higher than Australia's, which is just 3 persons per square kilometre.
When comparing the two countries, it is worth noting that Australia's population is significantly smaller than that of the USA. In fact, the whole of Australia has a similar population to the single state of Texas, which has about 30 million people. This difference in population size has infrastructure implications for Australia, which cannot support the same frequency of transport services between destinations as the USA.
Despite having a smaller population, Australia's cities are ranked among the largest in the world in terms of size. However, they are among the least densely populated urban areas. For example, Melbourne, Australia's largest urban area at 2,453 square kilometres, has a population density of 1,500 people per square kilometre. In contrast, West London, a highly urbanised area in the UK, has around 20,000 people per square kilometre.
Dr Michael Grosvenor, an urban planning expert, argues that demographers may be using inaccurate measures of Australian population density. He suggests that if inner-city suburbs of Sydney, such as Potts Point, Chippendale, and Ultimo, are considered, the population density rises to above 15,000 people per square kilometre. Another suburb, Parramatta, has a population of 4,800 people per square kilometre. These figures are more comparable to American cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle, which have higher densities than Sydney when considering the entire urban region.
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Population density in the USA and Australia
Population density refers to the number of people living in a given area. As of June 2022, Australia's population density was reported as 3.4 people per square kilometre (or 8.8 per square mile), making it the third least densely populated country in the world. This is due in part to the semi-arid and desert geography of the country's interior, as well as its urbanisation, with 89% of its population living in urban areas. Australia's population has grown since British colonisation in 1788, when it was estimated to be between 300,000 and 2,400,000 Indigenous Australians. The Indigenous population in 2011 was estimated to be between 495,757 and 635,370.
In contrast, the United States, which has experienced similar population growth due to births and immigration, has a much higher population density. One-third of the US population lives in high-density block groups, with densities of over 4,965 people per square mile. This is nearly 1,400 times the population density of Australia. Another third lives in medium-density block groups, with densities ranging from 1,205 to 4,965 people per square mile. The remaining third lives in low-density block groups, with densities of fewer than 1,205 people per square mile.
The population density in both countries varies significantly by region. In Australia, most people live close to coastlines, with nearly 60% of Indigenous Australians living in New South Wales and Queensland. The US has also seen westward expansion, with its population moving and growing in that direction over the last 200 years.
Population density is influenced by various factors, including birth rates, death rates, immigration, and urbanisation. Both countries have experienced changes in these factors over time, leading to fluctuations in their population densities. For example, Australia's crude birth rate increased sharply after World War II due to the baby boom and the immigration of young people, while its crude death rate has decreased from 12.2 deaths per 1,000 population in 1901 to 6.4 deaths per 1,000 population in 2006. Similarly, the US population density has been influenced by westward expansion and changing borders in its early years.
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Urbanisation in the USA and Australia
The United States and Australia are two countries with very different histories and demographics, but they share a trend towards urbanisation.
USA
The USA is a large country with a population of over 331 million people. In 2015, about 82.7% of the population lived in urban areas, and this figure is projected to increase to 87.4% by 2050. The country has a median age of 38.5 years, a birth rate of 12 births per 1,000 people, and a death rate of 8.3 deaths per 1,000 people. The population is growing, with a growth rate of 0.45%.
Australia
Australia has a much smaller population of 25.7 million people. It is one of the most urbanized countries in the world, with a rate of 86.62% in 2023. This high rate of urbanization is due to the high levels of immigration since the 20th century, which were generally to coastal, urban areas. Despite this, due to its large land area, Australia's population density is low. Australia has a median age of 37.3 years, a birth rate of 11.9 births per 1,000 people, and a death rate of 6.3 deaths per 1,000 people. The population growth rate is 0.85%.
Comparison
Both countries have relatively high levels of urbanization, with Australia having a slightly higher proportion of its population living in urban areas. The USA has a larger population and a higher median age, birth rate, and death rate. Australia, on the other hand, has a higher population growth rate. These differences can be attributed to various factors, including historical trends, immigration patterns, and cultural differences.
In summary, the USA and Australia are both highly urbanized countries with unique demographic characteristics. The trends towards urbanization in both countries have shaped their development and will continue to do so in the future.
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Fertility rates in the USA and Australia
Fertility rates in Australia and the USA have been declining over the past few decades. In 2023, the fertility rate in the US hit a record low of 1.64 expected births per woman's lifetime. In 2024, Australia's fertility rate was at a record low of 1.5 babies per woman. This is a significant decrease from 1993 when the total fertility rate (TFR) was 1.86.
There are various factors influencing the declining fertility rates in both countries. In Australia, the decline is attributed to economic concerns among younger Australians, with many feeling that the current environment is inhospitable to having children. Housing affordability, climate change, and gender equality are also cited as factors influencing family planning decisions. The COVID-19 pandemic may have also played a role, with a modest pull forward of births during this period contributing to the subsequent decline.
In the US, while the declining fertility rate is a widespread trend, it is noteworthy that about 5% of women in the nation currently have five or more children. This is explored by Catholic University economist and mother of eight, Catherine Pakaluk, in her book, "Hannah's Children: The Women Quietly Defying the Birth Dearth." Pakaluk's work delves into the lives of families who have chosen to pursue large families, examining the cost-benefit analysis and rational choice model that underlies their decision-making process.
The consequences of declining fertility rates can be significant. In Australia, demographers warn that a fertility rate of 1.5 may be a critical level, impacting economic growth. However, Australia has recovered from low fertility rates in the past, and there is optimism that the country can do so again. On the other hand, some experts argue that once ultra-low fertility is reached, there may be no return, and Australia may not experience a baby boom similar to the post-World War II era.
While the declining fertility rates present challenges, they also reflect societal changes and individual choices. Women are making intentional decisions about their family size, considering various factors, including economic stability, personal beliefs, and access to birth control. It is essential to respect these choices and support individuals in achieving their desired family sizes, whatever they may be.
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Indigenous populations in the USA and Australia
In the United States, Indigenous peoples, commonly referred to as Native Americans, First Americans, or American Indians, have experienced a long history of displacement and marginalisation. Beginning with the arrival of European colonists in the 15th century, Native American populations were devastated by newly introduced diseases, warfare, and violence. It is estimated that in many regions, populations declined by 90% or more within the first century of European contact. By the end of the 18th century, the Indigenous population within the modern borders of the US had declined to around 600,000. Today, the number of Indigenous people in the US is estimated to be between 3.1 and 8.7 million, with California having the largest Native population and New York City the largest concentration of Native people. Native American communities continue to face socioeconomic challenges, with a poverty rate of around 27%.
In Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples comprise the Indigenous population, and they too have endured a history of colonisation and dispossession. The ongoing colonisation of Australia has negatively impacted many Indigenous communities, and their connection to their traditional lands has been disrupted. At the time of European colonisation, there were at least 250 distinct Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages spoken across the continent, with approximately 123 still in use today. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population in Australia is estimated to be around 983,700 as of June 2021, representing 3.8% of the total Australian population. This population has a younger age structure than the non-Indigenous population, with a median age of 24 years and higher birth rates. While the Northern Territory has the highest proportion of Indigenous people relative to total population size, the majority (74.5%) reside in New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities face socioeconomic disparities, with 40% lacking access to essential resources and experiencing a median weekly household income 28% lower than that of non-Indigenous Australians.
Despite facing shared struggles, the Indigenous populations in both countries have persevered and continue to play integral roles in shaping the cultural identity of their respective nations.
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Frequently asked questions
The population of the USA as of 2025 is estimated to be around 331 million. The population density is 38 people per square kilometer, and the median age is 38.5 years. The U.S. population has been growing at a rate of about 1.3% per year since 1900, when it was around 76 million.
The population of Australia as of 2024 is estimated to be around 27.4 million. The population density is 4 people per square kilometer, and the median age is 38.3-39 years. Australia's population is projected to reach between 34.3 and 45.9 million by 2071.
The population growth rate of the USA has been declining in recent years. In 2024, the growth rate was 0.98%, and in 2021, it was estimated to be as low as 0.1%. The COVID-19 pandemic and a drop in birth rates have contributed to this slow growth.
Australia is highly urbanized, with 86.51%-89% of its population living in urban areas. Most Australians live close to coastlines, especially on the east coast, where almost 60% of Indigenous Australians reside. The Northern Territory has the highest proportion of Indigenous residents, at 26.3%.
